PRESIDENT MESSAGE – JANUARY 2016

2015 has been a productive and eventful year at MBAM, as I hope it has also been for you. In 2015, our membership based increased by 18%. The continued growth of our association indicates that with your support we have steered the Malaysian construction industry towards a whole new level of collaboration for our common interests.

Recognizing that communication with MBAM members is of prime importance and a key factor in achieving sustainable growth, MBAM hopes members will cooperate to update members contact database as MBAM continues to update members with our latest advocacy.

The following are the key events in December 2015:-

MBAM SCAFFOLDING COURSE

MBAM organized a series of scaffolding training for our Members and industry players. The Level 1 (Basic) Scaffolding Course 9^th intake were successfully completed on 1^st – 10^th December 2015 with 4 participants attending at KLIA College.

This course is design for any personnel involved in heavy industry and construction and is especially relevant to personnel who are:

• Hands on personnel
• Safety & Health practitioners who are responsible to coordinate plan and implement scaffolding work at work site
• Plan to be a competent & DOSH’s registered Scaffolder

This Competency Scaffolding training is approved and recognized by DOSH and is 100% HRDF claimable. Participating company will be given an approved 10 DOSH CEP Points and 20 CIDB CCD Points for each employee that attended this training.

For more information, please visit MBAM website: www.mbam.org.my or contact MBAM Secretariat, Mr Mohd Farhan, 012-213 3675 or Ms Chai Min Fung at 012-717 0377.

TOWNHALL SESSION WITH THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MITI)

MBAM Vice President, Tan Sri AK Nathan with the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed

People starting to form queues to ask YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed questions on TPPA

On 1^st December 2015, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) organized the townhall session with public at their brand new building in Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah. The townhall session was another platform for MITI in reaching out to the NGOs and public to discuss on the impending Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

The TPPA involves 12 countries that form 40% of the world’s economy and more countries like Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines have expressed interest to join the pact. At the townhall session, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed started off with an introduction on the Ministry’s role and briefly explains on the sectors that would greatly benefited under the TPPA. Then, YB Dato’ Sri continues with the Q&A session which lasted for an hour. Most of the questions asked were on the fear of increase in the price of drugs, bumiputera interest and government procurement. The townhall session was attended by MBAM Vice President, Tan Sri AK Nathan, MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim, MBAM PR Executive, Ms Tessa Hamid and I.

DISCUSSION WITH POLITEKNIK UNGKU OMAR (PUO) ON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

From left:- MBAM Deputy Chairman of Education Committee, Mr Andrew Ong and MBAM Vice President/ Chairman of Education Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri Bin Haji Mohd Zain

The representatives from PUO

On 1^st December 2015, the meeting between MBAM and PUO took place at Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room. The meeting was held to discuss the implementation of work-based learning programme at the participating MBAM’s member companies. MBAM was represented by MBAM Vice President & Chairman of Education Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri Haji Mohd Zin, Deputy Chairman of Education Committee, Mr Andrew Ong. Meanwhile, PUO representation included Head of Civil Engineering Department, Tuan Haji Che Norazman bin Che Wan, WBL Coordinators, Dr Shamsuri bin Abdullah, Puan Samikhah binti Muhammad, Puan Sharinatol Akmanida binti Jamaludin, En Rufaizul bin Che Mawat, BCT Programme Head, Puan Yong Rashidah binti Mat Tuselim and Lecturer, Mr Muhamad Razuhana bin Mat Yazid.

The meeting also discussed on method of implementation of WBL at participating companies in terms of job tasks of the students to work on rotation between few departments and mentor’s role in industrial guidance. The following are the names of the companies participating in the WBL Programme:

4^th CAMBODIA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION SUMMIT AND THE 2^nd CAMBODIA CONSTRUCTION EXPO 2015 

Mementos to Mr Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of CCA was received on behalf by Mr Siv Peng from CCA

From left to right – Mr Masato Otsubo (OCAJI), Mr Kim Jang Wook (IFAWPCA), Mr Hann Khieng (CCA) and Mr Michael Thong (MBAM)

The 4^th Cambodia Construction Association (CCA) Summit and the 2^nd Cambodia Construction Expo 2015 at Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Center, Phnom Penh was held on 3^rd – 5^th December 2015. MBAM with member companies such as Sudut Swasta Sdn Bhd, Procurement and Contracts Sdn Bhd and Doric Products Asia Sdn Bhd participated in the above event.

The President of CCA, Mr Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se in his opening speech welcomed and thanked the members of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) and ASEAN Constructors Federation (ACF) for their presence and support of the event. The Cambodian construction had grown rapidly because of the Political and Economic stability of the Cambodian Government and this had gained the trust of International and Foreign Investors.

MBAM member companies received numerous trade leads, potential joint ventures during their attendance at the summit. To conclude, the summit were successfully organized and managed to provide a good experience for our members.

WORKSHOP ON ‘HEAVY LIFTING PLAN’ SESSION 2

Mr Chong Tshun Ming, Senior Manager of Gamuda Plant Operator School (GPOS) at the Workshop on Heavy Lifting Plan

Participants at Workshop on Heavy Lifting Plan on 3^rd -4^th December 2015

The Safety and Health Committee of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) successfully organized a 2-day Workshop on “Heavy Lifting Plan” session 2 on 3^rd – 4^th December 2015 at MBAM Training Centre.

The workshop, which piqued the interest of 46 participants was officiated by the presence of MBAM Deputy President and Chairman of Safety & Health Committee, Mr Foo Chek Lee and also attended by MBAM Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan, MBAM Senior Executive Officer, Ms Ida Fatmawati and MBAM Admin Assistant, Ms Fadhira Aqilah.

Partly funded by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and supported by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) and Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), its objectives were to deliver the essential knowledge to the site personnel on the risk associated to lifting operations to meet the increasing complexity and demand of project requirements. Besides, lifting plan is an essential instrument to minimise the risk associated to lifting operation. Failure in lifting operation can bring catastrophic results to the project and company. MBAM are delighted to have the trainer, Mr Chong Tshun Ming, Senior Manager of Gamuda Plant Operator School (GPOS) which is a very hands-on, experienced and have professional knowledge on lifting matters and involved in various projects including SMART, EDTP and the latest KVMRT SBK Line.

MBAM TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Group photo of the contestants

Winners of the Men Doubles category

On 5^th December 2015, MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee organized a Table Tennis Tournament at the Forum 19, Petaling Jaya. The tournament aims to promote better interaction and understanding amongst members of MBAM and to serve as a platform for members to know their industry peers and friends better. A total of 16 pairs participated for Men Doubles category and 8 pairs for Special Mixed Doubles Category.

The following are the full result of the Table Tennis tournament:-

MBAM Men’s Doubles

1^st Prize – RM450.00 and Trophy

• Mr Lim Tze Thean / Mr Lee Soon Kwee (IJM Construction Sdn Bhd)

2^nd Prize – RM300.00

• Mr Lee Ah Nam / Mr Liew Chee Khong (IJM Construction Sdn Bhd)

Joint 3^rd Prize – RM100.00

• Mr Lim Kian Loong / Mr Liew Thean Kee (Industrial Concrete Products Sdn Bhd)
• Mr Foo Fang Kit / Mr Michael Tee Kao Soon (Bina Puri Sdn Bhd)

MBAM Special Mixed Doubles Category

1^st Prize – RM450.00 and Trophy

• Ms Grace Chiu Soo Jin /Ms Margaret Lim Swee Ling (Industrial Concrete Products Sdn Bhd)

2nd Prize – RM300.00

• Jennie Gong Wai Ling / Ken Choo Kang Wei (Gong Wai Ling & Associates)

Joint 3rd Prize – RM100.00

• Mr Foong Sook Hwa /Ms Hean Yung Yin (IJM Construction Sdn Bhd)
• Mr Eric Yong Shang Ming /Ms Eunice Lim Wuey Sheen (Crest Builder Sdn Bhd)

MBAM Special Category

1st Prize – RM450.00

• Ms Grace Chiu Soo Jin / Dato’ Ng Kee Leen

MBAM would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners and thank you for participating in our last outreach programme for this year.

ON THE JOB TECHNICAL TRAINING TO SAFEHOUSE DATA CENTRE

From left: M&E Committee Member, Mr Tony Kok, CEO of I-Tech Network Solutions Sdn Bhd, Mr Leonard Yee, Chairman of M&E Committee, Mr Kenneth Liew, MBAM Council Member, Mr. Lau Yew Mun, MBAM Manager, Mr Michael Thong and MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim.

Group photo of the participants

The MBAM technical visit to SAFEHOUSE Data Centre which took place on 9^th December 2015 was organized by the MBAM Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Committee. The MBAM M&E Committee Chairman, Mr Kenneth Liew, and his Deputy Chairman, Mr. Tony Kok together with M&E committee member, Mr. Looi Hong Weei led the delegates which consists of 19 participants.

The visit started with the introduction of i-Tech Network Solutions Sdn Bhd (ITNS) which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ireka Corporation Berhad. i-Tech Network Solutions is an information technology (IT) solutions company providing consultancy and professional IT services catering to a wide range of industries and market segments. i-Tech owns and operates its own Data Centre-SAFEHOUSE, which provides co-location services and managed services. SAFEHOUSE hosts clients’ web server, business applications and mission critical data in a state-of-the art data centre. The SAFEHOUSE was also awarded with the Schneider Electric IT Malaysia 2013 Award for the “Adoption on Energy Efficient Solution” category.

Overall feedbacks from the participants were positive which they claimed that the visit had helped them to understand how the SAFEHOUSE works and it had enhanced their knowledge on the IT services that i-Tech Network Solutions provided.

LECTURER SERIES: INVITATION TO BE SPEAKER AT UNIVERSITY OF TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA (UTHM)

MBAM Council Member, Mr James Wong sharing his input on the current scenario of the construction industry

Group photo with UTHM students

MBAM Council Member, Mr James Wong presented a paper entitled “Career Path as Civil Engineer in Malaysia and the role of MBAM” on 9^th September 2015 to more than 110 students and academicians from Department of Construction Management, Faculty of Technology Management & Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat, Johor. The event was successful and managed to reach out to future Civil Engineers who are currently undertaking their degree programme in this much needed discipline in the construction industry.

SIGNING CEREMONY OF NOTES OF COLLABORATION (NOC) BETWEEN POLITEKNIK UNGKU OMAR DEPARTMENT OF POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION AND MBAM

Exchange of signed NoC between MBAM and PUO

Group photo of the signed NoC parties

Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) hosted the Note of Collaboration (NoC) Signing Ceremony between PUO and Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and member companies of MBAM. The signing ceremony followed by the Media Conference on 9^th December 2015 at Politeknik Ungku Omar, Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi, Ipoh, Perak. The objectives of the NoC is to strengthen and enhance collaborative activities in human capital development in the construction industry, particularly in the development and implementation of the Work-Based Learning programme in the civil engineering and construction field. The duration of the collaboration shall be from 1^st January 2016 to 30^th June 2018.

It was well attended by guests comprising MBAM Council Members, Members of MBAM, officials from the Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE) and PUO, staff of PUO and MBAM, and the mass media. The NoC Signing Ceremony was witnessed by Director of Industrial Relations and Employability Division of DPE, Mr Tung Chee Kuan and MBAM Vice President and Chairman of Education Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri Hj Mohd Zin as well as MBAM President, Mr Matthew Tee Kai Woon (for Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd’s Noc). Meanwhile, the NoC between PUO and MBAM was signed by the Director of PUO Mej (K) Dato’ Hj Md. Nor Bin Yusof and MBAM President Matthew Tee Kai Woon.

Both PUO and MBAM exchanged mementos of appreciation, follow by presentation of mementos of appreciation to the MBAM member companies by PUO.

CPR TRAINING

The trainers, Mr Sam Ghee and Mr Duncan Oh

Among the participants of the CPR Training

The CPR training was conducted on 18^th and 19^th December 2015 at MBAM Training Center. The training was led by Mr Duncan Oh Yeok Hwa, Sr. Corporate Trainer in Basic Life Support & First Aid, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia and assisted by Mr Sam Ghee, First Aid Trainer and Course Coordinator St. John Ambulance of Malaysia. The programme was attended by 21 participants. The programme was very interesting as it empowers a person to take charge and try to help in an emergency situation. It is hope that more MBAM members would consider sending their staff to this programme in the future.

 We have come to the end of the year. I appreciate all of our members’ contributions this year; it is because of you, and because we know we can do so much more for members that I have such great confidence in our Association’s future. Please enjoy some well-deserved rest with family and friends during this holiday season, and let’s get right back to it in 2016. We have come to the conclusion of another successful year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and members for your contributions during the year. I wish you a blessed holiday season. May this Christmas bring you comfort, joy, peace and happiness to last throughout the coming year!

Matthew Tee

President